Why China Cares About the Middle East

China's role in the Middle East and North Africa has grown in recent years as Beijing has expanded its engagement in energy, trade, infrastructure, and diplomacy across the region. At the same time, Middle Eastern and North African governments are assessing what deeper ties with China can offer and where Beijing's influence still falls short. What draws China to the Middle East and North Africa, what is its strategy there, and how are shifts in U.S. policy shaping Beijing's regional approach?  Chuchu Zhang joined us on March 24, 2026 to discuss China's interests in the Middle East and North Africa and how governments in the region view China.  Learn more about the speaker and watch the video here.